Pope Francis has said that "history will judge" those who refuse to accept the science of climate change.

Pope Francis has said that "history will judge" those who refuse to accept the science of climate change.

“If someone is doubtful that [climate change] is true, they should ask scientists," he told reporters aboard the papal plane. "These are not opinions made on the fly. They are very clear. Then each person can decide and history will judge the decisions."

“If someone is doubtful that [climate change] is true, they should ask scientists," he told reporters aboard the papal plane. "These are not opinions made on the fly. They are very clear. Then each person can decide and history will judge the decisions."

The Pope is a strong supporter of the Paris climate agreement, a pledge by almost 200 countries to reduce emissions linked to climate change. Donald Trump pulled the US out of the agreement in June.

The Pope is a strong supporter of the Paris climate agreement, a pledge by almost 200 countries to reduce emissions linked to climate change. Donald Trump pulled the US out of the agreement in June.

A Vatican official called the move a "slap in the face" to the Pope and the Vatican at the time.

A Vatican official called the move a "slap in the face" to the Pope and the Vatican at the time.

Asked whether politicians have a responsibility to work with other countries to prevent climate change, the Pope responded: “All of us have a responsibility, all of us, small or large, a moral responsibility."

Asked whether politicians have a responsibility to work with other countries to prevent climate change, the Pope responded: “All of us have a responsibility, all of us, small or large, a moral responsibility."

"We have to take it seriously. We can’t joke about it,” he added. “Each person has their own. Even politicians have their own.”

"We have to take it seriously. We can’t joke about it,” he added. “Each person has their own. Even politicians have their own.”

His Holiness spoke as Hurricane Irma pummelled Florida with punishing wind and rain. Days before, Hurricane Harvey had submerged parts of Texas in massive floods. Some experts predict the combined damage could cost the US economy up to $290bn.

His Holiness spoke as Hurricane Irma pummelled Florida with punishing wind and rain. Days before, Hurricane Harvey had submerged parts of Texas in massive floods. Some experts predict the combined damage could cost the US economy up to $290bn.

Scientists have long warned that the warming of the Earth's oceans and atmosphere could strengthen future hurricanes. The latest storms marked the first time two Category 4 hurricanes had hit the continental US in a single hurricane season.

Scientists have long warned that the warming of the Earth's oceans and atmosphere could strengthen future hurricanes. The latest storms marked the first time two Category 4 hurricanes had hit the continental US in a single hurricane season.